General Description

This program is available online for those who are unable to attend day classes or who prefer to study at home. The program is designed to help students acquire the knowledge and skills for entry-level office positions, upgrade existing technology skills, attain goals of entering the workplace, and earn a certificate. Program highlights include:

Flexible, personalized scheduling

Continuous intake September to June

Full- or part-time studies

Provincially recognized curriculum with online learner support

A free, “try-it-out” prerequisite course to see if online learning is for you

Note 1: To receive a Vancouver Island University certificate, students must successfully complete a minimum of 30% of courses offered through Vancouver Island University and maintain a minimum “C” grade average in both Levels I and II of the program.

Note 2: The ABT online courses are part of the BC Campus initiative, a system-wide project for the development of online courses and programs in British Columbia. It involves multiple post-secondary institutions in a collaborative effort to share curricula, support services and administrative services.

Note 3: It is recommended that students take 18 to 24 months to complete the online program.

Note 4: To enter online programs, students must have a working knowledge of current Windows software, the Internet, and e-mail.

Note 5: Students must have computer and Internet access, as well as the appropriate computer systems requirements and the correct software versions required in each course. Contact abtonline@viu.ca or BC Campus for details.

Admission Requirements

Minimum “C” in either Mathematics 10 or Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 10, or equivalent.

Notes on Admission

Applicants without English 12 and Mathematics 10 will be considered for admission if they successfully complete reading comprehension, sentence skills, and arithmetic assessment. Call toll–free at 1–888–920–2221 local 6276 to book an assessment or use our online booking system at VIU Assessments.

It is recommended that students have some computer knowledge, including the ability to access the Internet, load software programs, send email attachments, etc.

Students who can achieve a touch keyboarding speed of 25 net words per minute on a five-minute timing with five or fewer errors may be exempted from taking ABTO 101T. Phone toll–free at 1–888–920–2221 local 6276 to book a keyboarding assessment.

Students with previous experience may be exempt from some components of the program after Prior Learning Assessment. For information on PLA, please contact the Advising Centre toll–free at 1–888–920–2221 local 6410, or the ABT program toll–free at 1–888–920–2221 local 6276.

This is a demanding program, and applicants with the minimum admission requirements may experience difficulties in completing the program.

Each online course is instructor-led. Students are expected to meet deadlines for course assignments and to actively participate in their courses with their instructor and fellow students.

Start Date and Application Deadline

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For further information regarding next available program start dates, applications, and program contacts check the Program Availability List, or email abtonline@viu.ca.

Career Opportunities

This program prepares graduates for work in private industries, government offices, accounting departments of both large and small businesses, and office support positions in a wide variety of firms.